Improving Light Infantry Divisional Engineer Agility; the Key to Enhancing their Mission Capability,
Abstract
This monograph examines the light infantry division engineer battalion's agility. The factors and organizational elements that affect agility are discussed. Organizational weaknesses in the light engineer battalion are examined and changes that will improve agility are recommended. The author first examines agility and develops an agility model used to assess the doctrinal capability of the light infantry division's engineer battalion. He next examines historical experiences of infantry divisional engineers in World War II and selected studies since then. Historical pitfalls in organizational design are mentioned. Then an analysis is made identifying common agility deficiencies and how they historically have been dealt with. From this analysis of historical experiences, conclusions are drawn. Thirteen recommendations are presented that increase the agility of the light infantry division engineer battalion. The recommendations address training, personnel, equipment, and organization. They are prioritized by their impact on agility and strategic deployability. High technology improvements such as night vision devices, remote firing devices, exotic explosives, computers and increased firepower are not addressed. Instead, recommendations focus on more traditional means to enhance agility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 17, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA179141
Entities
People
- Frank P. Janecek
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College